More detail is given in the About Us section of this website, but in a nut shell Matador Academy is a training organization focused on raising the level of professionalism and training of the bar security professional, commonly known as a bouncer.

In the state of Oregon, the answer is YES. Bar security staff perform five of the seven activities defined under OAR 259-60-0010 Definition 22 “Private Security Services.” You only need to perform one, to be considered as providing private security services. And if you are providing these services you need to be certified as a private security professional through DPSST (Department of Public Safety Standards and Training).

In the state of Washington it is a bit different. YES, you do have to be certified if you work for a security company providing the security service to the bar or nightclub. If you work directly for the club as an employee, then the answer is NO. However, there are some nightclubs and bars in the Vancouver area that require their security to obtain an Oregon DPSST certification.

As a bar security professional, it is always a good thing to obtain a professional certification regardless of it being mandatory or not, to prove that you have had some training in your profession. To see if your state requires bouncers to be certified, please check out our State Certification Information page.

If you have truly been in the bar security industry for years, then you have noticed the change from it being OK and the norm to beat up someone and through them out, to owners and managers wanting a more customer service based security. Also, there is always something new to learn in technique or information; whether it comes from the instructor or a fellow bouncer attending the same seminar or class. These courses can also be a great networking tool as well.

We encourage everyone from the bar security industry to attend a seminar or one of our classes. You never know what you could learn or what you could teach someone else, just by attending.

Yes.

However, we do have high standards and we will review each application as we receive them. If you are interested in becoming a member, CLICK HERE to download an application from our website. You will need Adobe Reader to view the file.

If you are in Oregon or in the Vancouver,WA area, you should first make sure that you are certified through DPSST. You can do this through us. If you are located outside of these areas, find out if you need to be certified in the state you reside.

Second once you are certified, look to see if anyone is hiring (craigslist, this website, the newspaper). You can also make up a resume and start dropping them off at bars and nightclubs. If you are not sure where you want to work, but you think there are a couple places might be fun, go to those clubs and hang out for the night. Observe how their security treats the patrons, what kind of crowd the bar/club attracts and how the patrons act in general. You can always start up a conversation with one of the security team members working and ask if they are hiring.

If you do choose to visit a club during is hours of operation, DO NOT DRINK and DO NOT START FIGHTS. If you drink, act like an ass, start a fight, especially if you get kicked out, and then come back and put in an application, I can almost guarantee that you will not get hired at that establishment.

Thinking on a basic level... get yourself a flashlight. A small tactical light or a D-cell mag-lite should do fine. Going any further you really need to find out what your bar/club or company will allow you to carry and what your job duties are. There are some companies that will not let you have handcuffs or pepper spray, so a flashlight is your best bet.

This is what we suggest our members and staff carry at the clubs we manage.

• Flashlight
• Pen
• Small note pad
• Pocket knife
• Handcuffs
• Pepper Spray (Foam - preferred)

Just remember, if you carry a knife, handcuffs or pepperfoam, make sure you are trained on how to use them. Training always helps out while in the moment and in the court room.

According to Chapter 181.991, Section 1, Subsection b, working as security uncertified in Oregon is considered a Class A Violation and can be followed by a fine of $400.00. In addition, according to Section 2 of that same chapter, it is possible to receive a $1500.00 civil penalty for each occurrence. This civil penalty can be served to you the individual or to your employer.

According to DPSST, “each occurrence” can be broken down into each single event or several events grouped into one. It all depends on the history of the individual and/or the employer in regards to their non-compliance.

No.

At this time, there is no rule under DPSST regulations that state you must have an Executive Manager on payroll. BUT, as a bar or night club establishment that has security, you do need an Executive Manager. This is a service we provide. To see more about our Executive Manager services, CLICK HERE

In Oregon, they specifically have 7 year, 10 year and Lifetime disqualifiers. To see what your disqualification may be go to the following link and take a look at the DPSST Private Security Criminal Disqualifiers List. You will need Adobe Reader to view the file.

http://www.oregon.gov/DPSST/PS/docs/PSDisquals.pdf